The number of international students enrolling in UK private schools has fallen following the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on school fees, adding to concerns about the sector’s competitiveness and appeal to overseas families.
According to new figures, overall enrolment at member schools of the Independent Schools Council dropped by 3.5% in 2026, while the number of non-UK pupils whose parents live overseas declined by 4.7%. Boarding school enrolment also recorded a significant drop, reflecting the impact of higher costs and tighter visa policies.
Education sector representatives argue that the VAT policy has made British private education less attractive to international families, particularly those from key markets such as China and Hong Kong. Some schools have also reported reduced visa applications and growing financial pressure as they adjust to the new tax regime.
The UK government maintains that the policy is intended to generate additional funding for state education and has rejected claims of a large-scale migration of pupils into the public school system.
